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Prototype Build Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bostondynamics

Manager, R&D Build

Waltham, MA · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

... (2) Prototype Assembly Technicians, who focus on scaling repeatable builds once designs and ... Prototype Build Execution * Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds ...

Boston Dynamics

Manager, R&D Build

Waltham, MA · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

... (2) Prototype Assembly Technicians, who focus on scaling repeatable builds once designs and ... Prototype Build Execution * Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds ...

Lucid Motors

Sr. Technician, Battery Build

Newark, CA · On-site

The Senior HV Battery Technician is a hands-on technical expert responsible for the advanced ... This role spans prototype build, validation, and field issue resolution, requiring strong technical ...

Shield AI

Lead Prototype Technician (R5476)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$43 - $64/hr

You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve ... As a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype ...

Mondo

Technician

Bedford, MA · On-site

$38 - $47/hr

Senior Electromechanical / Engineering Technician Location: Bedford, MA Location Type: Onsite Start ... Build one-off engineering prototypes from drawings and instructions * Create and modify prototype ...

Rivian

Sr. Vehicle Build Technician II

Tustin, CA · On-site

... repair, prototype support, or mechanical technician work. * Moderate to high ability to ... Demonstrated build-in-quality mindset, including raising concerns early, supporting prevention, and ...

Rivian

Sr. Vehicle Build Technician II

Tustin, CA · On-site

... repair, prototype support, or mechanical technician work. * Moderate to high ability to ... Demonstrated build-in-quality mindset, including raising concerns early, supporting prevention, and ...

Emerson

Prototype Technician

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

Emerson is looking for a Prototype Technician to join our team in Shakopee, MN . In this role, you ... Order, manage, and track circuit board components, small tools, and consumable items used to build ...

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Prototype Build Technician information

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$15

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$50

How much do prototype build technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype build technician in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype build technician?

Prototype Build Technicians are skilled professionals who assemble, modify, and test prototype products or components, often in the automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industries. They work closely with engineering teams to interpret technical drawings and specifications, fabricate parts, and perform hands-on assembly of prototype units. Their role is crucial in the early stages of product development, as they help identify design issues and suggest improvements before mass production. Prototype Build Technicians must have strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and experience with various tools and manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype build technician?

To thrive as a Prototype Build Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical assembly, blueprint reading, and hands-on fabrication, typically supported by a technical diploma or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, hand and power tools, and specialized measurement equipment is often required, along with certifications such as IPC or soldering credentials. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help technicians excel in dynamic team environments. These skills and qualifications ensure prototypes are built accurately and efficiently, supporting innovation and product development.

What are some common challenges prototype build technicians face when assembling new product prototypes?

Prototype Build Technicians often encounter the challenge of working with incomplete or evolving design documentation, which requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Because prototypes may use custom or experimental components, Technicians must be comfortable with ambiguity and able to troubleshoot unexpected issues on the fly. Additionally, collaboration with design engineers and other teams is critical, as feedback from the build process frequently leads to real-time design adjustments. This dynamic environment makes communication and attention to detail essential for success.

What is the difference between Prototype Build Technician vs Mechanical Assembler?

AspectPrototype Build TechnicianMechanical Assembler
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications in prototyping or manufacturingHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic mechanical skills training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, prototype workshops, R&D facilitiesAssembly lines, manufacturing plants, production floors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, automotive, R&D firmsElectronics, appliance manufacturing, general assembly industries

The Prototype Build Technician focuses on creating and testing prototypes, often working in specialized labs with advanced tools. In contrast, the Mechanical Assembler primarily assembles products on production lines. While both roles require mechanical skills and similar certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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Prototype Build Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Build Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Manager, R&D Build

Waltham, MA • On-site

Bostondynamics
See more jobs at Bostondynamicsexternal

$155K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job SummaryThe Manager, Prototype Build is responsible for leading the prototype assembly function for Atlas humanoid robots. This role manages supervisors across two distinct domains: (1) R&D Mechanical and Electrical Technical Specialists, who focus on early-stage, complex prototype builds where processes and designs are still evolving; and (2) Prototype Assembly Technicians, who focus on scaling repeatable builds once designs and processes have stabilized. The Manager ensures seamless transitions between these stages, enabling speed, quality, and learning in an R&D environment where design maturity is fluid and requirements are constantly evolving. This role requires balancing the ambiguity and hands-on problem solving of early prototype builds with the discipline and structure required to enable repeatability, scalability, and throughput.Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership & Supervision
    • Manage and coach supervisors leading teams of R&D Technical Specialists and Prototype Assembly Technicians.
    • Ensure role clarity and smooth transitions as products evolve from early prototype units into repeat build phases.
    • Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
  • Prototype Build Execution
    • Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of prototype robot builds, ensuring alignment to program priorities and timelines.
    • Enable Technical Specialists to resolve complex integration challenges where designs are incomplete or rapidly changing.
    • Guide Assembly Technicians toward repeatable, efficient processes once builds stabilize.
  • Process & Quality
    • Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure build processes meet safety, quality, and reliability standards.
    • Ensure lessons learned from early builds are captured and transferred into work instructions, documentation, and training.
    • Drive continuous improvement in tooling, fixturing, layout, and process design.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment
    • Act as the key interface between Prototype Operations, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Program Management.
    • Balance R&D iteration speed with program-level commitments and downstream manufacturability.
    • Ensure effective communication across build phases, minimizing disruption as designs evolve.
  • People Development
    • Identify, mentor, and develop high-potential supervisors and team members.
    • Ensure needed capabilities and bench depth are met for the Atlas program needs through cross-training and supplier-led training.
    • Provide clear career pathways for both Technical Specialists and Assembly Technicians.
    • Reinforce safety, technical excellence, and operational discipline.
Core Competencies
  • Execution: Ensures high build performance under ambiguity; sets clear expectations for supervisors and teams.
  • Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships; mediates between fast-moving engineering requirements and operational stability.
  • Innovation: Encourages Technical Specialists to experiment and solve problems creatively, while institutionalizing learnings into structured processes.
  • Adaptability: Navigates the shifting demands of prototype maturity, pivoting between hands-on troubleshooting and scaled, repeatable builds.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong understanding of prototype assembly processes in complex electromechanical systems.
  • Experience managing teams in both R&D and scaled prototype/low-volume build environments.
  • Familiarity with process documentation, work instructions, and revision control in an evolving design environment.
  • Skilled in root cause analysis, problem solving, and issue escalation in high-mix/low-volume builds.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Typical Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
  • 8+ years of relevant operations or manufacturing experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
  • Proven track record managing supervisors and multi-disciplinary build teams in prototype or advanced manufacturing settings.
  • Experience balancing the competing needs of early R&D iteration and repeatable build performance.
  • Robotics, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical systems background strongly preferred.

The pay range for this position is between $155,000 to $200,000 annually. Base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors including, but not limited to internal equity, job related knowledge, skills and experience. This range represents a good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Boston Dynamics offers a generous Benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401(k), paid time off and a annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.

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